Deke Bellavia

Deke Bellavia: Prep Football Semi-finals - 12 golden tickets left!

by Deke Bellavia,posted Dec 6 2013 7:19AM

Okay, in this first of a kind unique playoff format here in Louisiana, we already have six teams and three title games set for next weekend’s LHSAA Championships. In Division I, the defending 5A Champion Rummel Raiders will battle the Byrd Yellow Jackets. In Division III Archbishop Hannan will take on Calvary Baptist. And, the Division II Title Game looks like one of the best match-ups—the John Curtis Patriots take on the undefeated University High Cubs.

So what’s left? This week is now officially semi-final weekend. 12 games will produce six state title games. All five classes play semi-final games this tonight while Division IV will also play its semi-final game.

Up in Class 5A we are one week away from a dream match-up of great high school QB’s. Now in order for that to happen two very good teams stand in the way. The Destrehan Wildcats and star QB Donovan Isom take on the battle tested Acadiana Rams. And in the other 5A semi-final match-up the Covington Lions entertain future LSU Tiger and current Parkway QB Brandon Harris.

Harris leads a Parkway team that has had to play every game on the road this post season due to a penalty that was levied against their program last playoff season. Harris and his Panthers are now just one win away from making it to the Superdome. A Destrehan versus Parkway 5A final would give us perhaps one of the best QB match-ups in recent memory. Harris has already inked with LSU and Isom is a verbal commitment to Utah.

Now, if you want to talk about power, let’s bring up Class 4A. Again we’re looking at two of the best programs. Teams in the deep south are one weekend away from playing in the State Finals for a third straight season. Edna Karr and Neville have played each other in the last two 4A Title Games with the Tigers taking the 4A Title in 2011 and Karr got the win a year ago.

Both teams have difficult games this week. The Tigers have to come down to Metairie to battle the East Jefferson Warriors, while Karr has a rematch against district foe Landry Walker. Karr came from behind earlier this season to edge the Charging Bucs 26-22.

Other big games include Haynesville at Kentwood under the Tank and Amite visits Union Parish.
Great high school semi-finals; we’ll have it all covered on the All State Sugar Bowl Prep Football Roundup at 7pm. Let’s hope the weather cooperates.